Klarinet Archive - Posting 000079.txt from 1995/01

From: Syd Polk <syd_polk@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Wanted- Contrabass playe
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 1995 18:17:31 -0500

Reply to: RE>Wanted: Contrabass players
Hi all!

I just subscribed to this list 2 days ago, so please excuse me if these
questions have been asked/answered lately. I play bass clarinet in a
community band and just last week got a hold of a Bb contrabass which I'm
attempting to get used to so I can play it in band. I'm seeking other
contrabass players to answer some questions for me:

1. What reeds do you use and where do you get them (preferably as cheap
as possible)? FYI, the CB is a Leblanc with a (I'm assuming this) medium
stock mouthpiece. I usually play Vandoren 3 1/2's on my Bb and Vandoren
2 1/2's on the bass, both with medium-open mouthpieces. Every music
store I've been to around here tries to sell me bari sax reeds, which are
too small! Bass sax reeds fit, but they're $6.00 a piece, if they play
on a CB like tenor reeds do on my bass, I want no part of them! The
reeds I was given with the instrument are fibercane (yuk!!!!!!)

I use VanDoren 2 Contrabass clarinet reeds for both Eb and Bb. They really do
fit the mouthpiece. You can also get Rico. The Rico's are about 3.50 and the
VanDoren's
$6.00. Fortunately, they last longer than Bb's, more in a box play well, and
you really won't be playing the horn with the frequency of a Bb. I get about
one box
of five every eighteen months and split the box between the Bb and Eb.

2. Is it normal to get dizzy and light-headed when you first start out
on CB, because of all the air you need to fill the horn? I don't
remember any such problems when I first switched to bass from Bb. (Or
maybe it's these darn fibercane reeds?)

I got light-headedness when I started this horn (as well as bari sax and
flute). You do
get used to it. And the tickling in your lips goes away also. The callouses
on your hand
from the case, however...

Syd Polk
(who cannot believe that he has played contra somewhere during the school
year for the past 14 years!)